Stubborn Fat Treatment
A guide to stubborn fat and non-surgical body contouring: what it can and cannot do, who it suits, and why it is not a weight-loss treatment.
RQIA Registered | Doctor- and Nurse-Led | Complimentary Consultation
WHO IT SUITS
Adults near a stable weight
COMMON CAUSES
Genes, hormones, age
TREATMENT OPTIONS
3 in-clinic options
FIRST STEP
Complimentary consultation
What is stubborn fat?
Stubborn fat describes localised pockets of fat that stay in the same places even when you eat well, keep active and are at or near a weight that is healthy for you. Common areas include the lower abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, upper arms and under the chin. It is very common in both men and women and is largely shaped by genetics and hormones rather than effort.
Body contouring is the name for treatments that aim to refine the shape of these areas. It is important to be clear that body contouring is not a weight-loss treatment and is not a substitute for a healthy diet, regular activity or medical weight management. It works best for people who are already close to a stable weight and want to improve the shape of specific areas.
At our clinics in Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry, we assess your health and goals first and then explain honestly whether a treatment such as EMSCULPT NEO is right for you.
What causes stubborn fat?
Where your body stores fat is decided largely by factors you cannot control, which is why some areas hold on to fat even when the rest of you changes. Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations for any treatment.
Genetics
Your genes strongly influence where fat is stored, such as the hips and thighs or the abdomen, and these areas are often the last to change with diet and exercise.
Hormones
Changes in oestrogen, testosterone and cortisol affect fat distribution. Around the menopause, for example, many women notice more fat settling around the middle.
Age and muscle tone
Metabolism slows and muscle mass gradually reduces with age, which can change body shape and make areas such as the abdomen look softer.
Lifestyle and life events
Sleep, stress, alcohol, activity levels, pregnancy and weight changes all play a part in how fat is gained and where it stays.
Treatments for stubborn fat at A Aesthetics
Every plan starts with a medical assessment of your health, weight history and goals. Body contouring is designed to refine shape in specific areas, not to reduce overall body weight, and it works best alongside a healthy lifestyle. These are the options our team most often recommends.
EMSCULPT NEO
This BTL device combines radiofrequency heating with electromagnetic muscle stimulation and is designed to reduce fat and build muscle tone in areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms and thighs. It suits people who want to improve definition as well as reduce a pocket of stubborn fat.
Emerald Laser
A low-level green laser designed to prompt fat cells to release some of their contents so the body can clear them naturally. It involves no heat, needles or downtime and is given as a course for areas such as the waist, hips and thighs.
Lymphatic therapies
Lymphatic drainage treatments use gentle pressure to support the body’s natural drainage system and may help reduce fluid retention and puffiness. They can also be used to support recovery after body contouring.
Everyday tips for managing stubborn fat
Eat for steady energy
A balanced diet built around vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and healthy fats supports a stable weight. Crash diets tend to be hard to maintain and can reduce muscle rather than fat.
Combine cardio and strength
Regular aerobic activity and strength training twice a week help maintain muscle and metabolism. Spot exercises alone cannot target fat in one area, but overall fitness improves body shape.
Prioritise sleep and stress
Poor sleep and ongoing stress affect appetite and hormones linked to fat storage around the middle. A regular sleep routine and time to unwind support your other efforts.
Stay hydrated and limit alcohol
Drinking enough water supports your body’s natural processes, including after body contouring treatments. Cutting back on alcohol reduces empty calories and bloating.
Stubborn fat and body contouring FAQs
Is body contouring a weight-loss treatment?
No. Body contouring is designed to refine the shape of specific areas, not to reduce overall body weight. It works best for people who are already close to a stable, healthy weight.
Why won’t some fat shift with diet and exercise?
Genetics and hormones decide where your body prefers to store fat, and these areas are often the last to change. It is not a sign that you are doing anything wrong. Hormonal shifts such as the menopause can also change where fat settles, which our menopause page explains further.
Can stubborn fat be prevented?
You cannot change where your body tends to store fat, but a balanced diet, regular activity including strength training, good sleep and limiting alcohol all help keep weight stable and muscle tone strong.
Which treatment is best for me?
That depends on the area, your goals and your health. EMSCULPT NEO suits people who want to reduce fat and improve muscle tone in areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms and thighs. Emerald Laser is a low-level laser option for areas such as the waist, hips and thighs, with no downtime. Some people are not suitable, for example during pregnancy or with certain implants or medical conditions, and we will explain this at your consultation.
What results can I expect?
Changes are gradual and develop over the weeks after a course as your body processes the treated fat. Results vary between individuals and are best maintained with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. We will talk through realistic expectations for your body before you decide.
How many sessions will I need?
EMSCULPT NEO is usually a course of around four sessions, and Emerald Laser is also given as a course. Your plan will be tailored to the area and your goals after your assessment.
Can treatments be combined?
Yes. Body contouring is often paired with lymphatic therapies. Where loose skin is a concern, our skin laxity page explains other options.
How do I book a consultation?
You can request a callback online or call us on 028 7051 2101. Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over.
Related concerns
YOUR FIRST STEP
Begin with a complimentary consultation
Sit down with one of our medical team, talk through what you would like to change, and leave with an honest, personalised plan. No cost, no pressure, and no obligation to book.
Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over and are only offered after a face-to-face consultation.
DERRY/LONDONDERRY
50 Victoria Gate
Derry, BT47 2TP
07702 529535
COLERAINE
6–8 Dunmore Street
Coleraine, BT52 1EL
028 7051 2101
RQIA Registered | contact@aaesthetics.net
Request a callback
Share a few details and our team will call you back to arrange your consultation.